DIN EN 60068-2-1; VDE 0468-2-1

• Describes cold tests for heat-emitting and non-heat-emitting test specimens

• Applicable to energized and de-energized, packaged and unpackaged test specimens

• Objective: To assess the suitability of products for operation or storage at low temperatures

• Test is performed under the assumption of temperature equilibrium

• Includes various test methods (Ab, Ad, Ae) for different applications

• Defines requirements for measuring points and air velocity in the test chamber

• Contains nomogram methods for correcting the stress temperature

• Defines temperature limit deviations and test report requirements

• Does not directly consider fire or explosion-related effects

Content, scope of application and tests:

The standard DIN EN 60068-2-1, also known as VDE 0468-2-1, describes test methods for the investigation of environmental influences, in particular test A: Cold. This standard is part of a comprehensive series of test methods for electrotechnical products and is widely used in various industrial sectors.

The scope of the standard covers a wide range of test specimens, regardless of whether they are energized or de-energized, packaged or unpackaged. Test specimens that emit heat themselves are also taken into account. The main objective of the test is to assess the suitability of electrotechnical products for operation or storage at low temperature.

The tests are carried out under the assumption that a temperature equilibrium is reached during the test procedure. It is important to note that the standard does not directly address effects directly related to fire or explosion, as these are the responsibility of other technical committees.

The standard defines various procedures for carrying out the tests. The Ab and Ad tests are mainly intended for non-heat-emitting test specimens, while the Ae test was developed specifically for equipment that must be switched on during the test, including pre-treatment.

The standard gives clear instructions for determining the air velocity in the test chamber and defines requirements for the placement of measuring points around the test specimen, on its surface or inside it. An important aspect of the standard is the nomogram method for correcting the stress temperature in high air velocity tests (test Ad and test Ae).

The standard also specifies limit deviations for the temperature during the test. These tolerances are crucial for the reproducibility and comparability of the test results. In addition, detailed requirements are placed on the documentation of the test in the form of a test report.

For the evaluation of the tests, the standard specifies rules on how the results are to be interpreted. Particular attention is paid to the identification of functional impairments or reductions in performance. The documentation of the tests must contain all relevant information, including the exact test conditions, the measurement technology used and the observed effects on the test specimen.

In the latest revision of the standard, various aspects have been clarified and expanded. These include the revision of the introduction and scope, the addition of new images and symbols for clarification, and the clarification of the test procedure for detecting high or low air velocity in the test chamber. The requirements for measuring points have also been clarified and the nomogram method for correcting the stress temperature in high air velocity tests has been reintroduced.

Alternative standards with similar content and scope:

1. DIN EN IEC 60068-2-2 (VDE 0468-2-2): Environmental exposure - Part 2-2: Test methods - Test B: Dry heat

2. DIN EN IEC 60068-2-5 (VDE 0468-2-5): Ambient exposure - Part 2-5: Test methods - Test S: Reproduced solar radiation near the ground

3. DIN EN IEC 60068-2-6 (VDE 0468-2-6): Environmental influences - Part 2-6: Test methods - Test Fc: Oscillation (sinusoidal)

4. DIN EN IEC 60068-2-30: environmental influences - part 2-30: test method - test Db: damp heat, cyclic

5. DIN EN IEC 60068-2-14: Environmental influences - Part 2-14: Test method - Test N: Temperature cycling